Catherine M. Brown

In Loving Memory of
Catherine Marie Brown
1951-2019

Catherine Marie Brown ran into the arms of her Savior on the morning of October 25, 2019.

Cathy was born in Casper, Wyoming, on February 14, 1951 to Oscar Eugene "Gene" Bates and Mary Elizabeth Bates. Gene and Mary began raising their two beautiful daughters, Cathy and Sharon in Midwest, Wyoming until Gene's job transferred their family to Riverton, Wyoming in 1959.

Cathy was diagnosed with diabetes at age 13. In spite of this disease, she pressed on and did not allow it to confine her. Regardless of struggles with her health, she had an even greater love for God, a more intense appreciation for life, a more fervent passion for prayer, a deeper desire to befriend many, and to show God's love to those around her.

On February 2, 1969, (Groundhog's Day) Cathy married the love of her life, Norman Brown. They welcomed their son, Norman Eugene Brown later that year. Their family set out on a journey, living in various places. From Dubois, to Casper, Riverton, Craig, Colorado, New Mexico, Tulsa, Oklahoma, The Yukon, Cheyenne, Gillette, and finally back to Casper, Wyoming.

Cathy always loved adventure and action, from riding horses and motorcycles, to driving race cars, teaching aerobics classes, and running in the World's largest relay race, Hood to Coast. Her stature was small, but her heart was immense and as open as her home. No one can remember how many individuals the Browns took into their home over the years, whether for brief or extended stays. Their home was truly a place of ministry and refuge.

Cathy had the unique ability of making each person feel loved and valued. Not only did she inspire by example, she was quick to give a little push as she encouraged so many to walk out of their comfort zone, in order to develop and utilize God-given talents. Many would not be in their current vocations or ministries, if not for her encouragement. Friends and family knew that if they really needed prayer, no one would or could pray quite like Cathy.

While living in Gillette, Norman and Cathy became Chaplains for Racers for Christ, conducting chapel services for motor sports racing events. They served in this ministry 10 years. In the latter part of 1996, they moved back to Casper to serve as pastors of the Casper Foursquare Church. They pastored 18 years, pouring their hearts and lives into all who walked through the doors. It is fitting that ministry and racing were two of Cathy's greatest passions. She has finished her race with faith, endurance, and grace. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 11 Timothy 4:7

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Mary Bates.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Norman Brown, her son, Norman E. Brown, grandchildren Rory Brown and Whitncy Brown, all of Casper, her sister Sharon (Jerry) Lucas of Sheridan, her nephew Jeramy (Kathy) Lucas, of Sheridan, niece Shannon (Greg) Gropp of Spring Creek, Nevada, and numerous other family members and friends who are so thankful to have known this woman who was nothing short of a treasure. Heaven will never be the same with her and the earth will never be the same without her. How we love you Cathy. We rejoice in knowing we will see you again.

A Celebration of Cathy's life will be held at 1 pm Friday, November 8, 2019 at Word Christian Fellowship. 1220 South Melrose Street, Casper, WY 82601.

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